BEND, OR -- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, known as CARES has awarded $3,800,000 to the Central Oregon intergovernmental Council (COIC) for transit operations. Executive Director Tammy Baney says she expects to learn soon specifically how the money can be used..but says they need the money as they haven’t charged bus fares for weeks. In addition the transit agency had to hire a new employee to help clean all vehicles. Baney also says some of the money can be used for preventive maintenance as well as security services and security equipment.